'They are just reinventing the wheel' Readers argue over creating a new Welsh Development Agency

Wales Online readers have been discussing the proposed creation of a new Welsh Development Agency . The news has prompted renewed debate about how Wales should best attract inward investment and support long term economic growth. Supporters argue that a dedicated agency could provide a clear and focused approach to bringing in international companies and high value investment. They believe it could improve coordination between government, business, and education, while also strengthening Wales’s global profile. Many also highlight the original Welsh Development Agency as an example of a successful model that helped secure major employers and significant investment during its time. They also suggest that a modern version could be adapted to current economic challenges, including competition for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology sectors, helping ensure Wales is not overlooked in favour of more aggressively marketed regions. Critics are more cautious, questioning whether reintroducing such a body would achieve better outcomes than existing structures. Some point to concerns around cost, duplication, and whether restructuring would translate into real economic gains. Others argue that today’s global economy is very different, making past successes harder to replicate. They suggest the priority should instead be on improving infrastructure, reducing barriers to business growth, and strengthening support for existing firms. Overall, the proposal highlights ongoing disagreement about economic strategy in Wales, particularly over how best to attract investment, create skilled jobs, and deliver sustainable growth in a competitive global environment. Commenter Jenny S says: “That's brilliant! I remember the last one. I worked at DTI Cardiff (Director's PA) and the old WDA worked so hard - and successfully - to bring businesses into Wales.” Dave W replies: “Whilst the old one did a good job on the whole, I believe this new one will focus on development of home grown business as opposed to bringing in inward investment, but I could be wrong.” Airmarshall adds: I’m hoping the new organisation takes the best bits of the old WDA and Land Authority for Wales, both of which helped deliver big projects and investment. It needs proper leadership with vision, people willing to take sensible risks, and fresh input from both public and private sectors, from inside and outside Wales, not just the usual political appointments. The Corporate Joint Committees also need a rethink, as they’re largely run by councillors with little independent input. The same concerns apply to the way Fire and Rescue and policing structures are being set up. What’s really needed is proper independent challenge in these organisations.” Charilefoxtrol says: ”I hope it makes clear what the Welsh Government is and isn’t responsible for, especially as so much of the economy is still controlled by Whitehall. The 27/28 timeline is presumably when it will be fully operational. For now, it just needs to function as a kind of marketing team and a single front door to direct people to the right department.” Ospreyorders thinks: “This is just reinventing the wheel! The WDA ended 20 years ago with staff absorbed in the Senedd. So, I assume these people will be redistributed again to the new WDA. What is this going to cost and who pays for it?” Dai2017 suggests: “Colleges and universities should redesign courses to focus on economic and business development. Councils add little value to higher skills development, quality improvement, incentives, or resource sharing, and often restrict independent businesses in favour of fast food chains. Stronger collaboration between education providers and businesses or entrepreneurs is needed. High rents and business rates are major barriers, often two to three times lower in parts of Europe.” Verity T writes: “Our youngsters desperately need more opportunities in Wales. WDA is a step in the right direction.” Owain L agrees: “This is great news. The old WDA gave me a vital helping hand when I started out.. Grass roots business help is vital for any economy.” Dympna P adds: “I am not a Plaid supporter, but I worked with the WDA up to 1997 and can confirm they brought significant inward investment into Wales. The dual carriageway between Newport and Magor, now largely empty concrete sites, once contained factories for international companies attracted by the WDA, including LG. If Price can recreate what the WDA achieved before the Blair era, I would support his efforts.” Paula Dauncey thinks: “Before spending heavily on inward investment, reduce measures affecting motorists to attract more business across the bridge. This would have a major impact. Build the M4 relief road and reverse the 20mph policy as a starting point, otherwise it risks being a waste of money.” Would a new agency genuinely cut through bureaucracy and attract inward investment, or would it be more effective to focus on improving infrastructure and reducing the barriers businesses already face on the ground? Have your say in our comments section.